RoSPA Press Office : Press Releases : Home Safety

An old-fashioned Christmas could be the death of you, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today. Attempts to recreate the cosy atmosphere of Victorian Christmas card scenes are fraught with danger and can lead to disaster. Cards on the mantelpiece, candles on trees, open fires, fancy wrapping on presents - and even a glass of sherry on the hearth for Santa - can all turn celebrations sour. Full Story»

Today’s report by Sir Donald Acheson, calling for a 10-year action plan to attack the issue of health inequality, has been welcomed by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. RoSPA’s advisers were asked to contribute to the report, written by Sir Donald, the Government’s former chief medical officer. His paper published today (thurs), is thought to be the biggest social policy paper since 1980. Full Story»

RoSPA today issued an urgent reminder about bonfire safety after a boy received 95 per cent burns in an explosion in Scotland. There were also reports of two children being injured when an aerosol exploded in a bonfire in Stornoway. Full Story»

Help for teenage mums to improve safety in their homes will be one of the topics to be discussed at a major congress in Yorkshire, organised by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The RoSPA National Home Safety Congress will also be looking at home safety issues for children, and social issues around safety for the elderly - including safe homes and exercising for older people. Full Story»

Shoppers are being urged not to become safety fashion victims this winter. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is using National Consumer Week to point out that even clothes can be killers. Drawstrings, hoods and shoes are among the many items which can pose problems. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today: "The only bangers being sold for bonfire night should be the sausages for barbecues." As the firework season approaches its peak, RoSPA issued a reminder that new legislation means that bangers should no longer be on sale to the general public. Full Story»

The humble British chip is an indicator of people’s lack of respect for fire, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. With Fire Safety Week beginning on Monday (September 28), latest figures show an 11 per cent increase in chip pan fires - around 11,300 a year. Such fires lead to 30 deaths and injury to 3,000 people a year. Full Story»

Public Health Minister Tessa Jowell will make the keynote speech at a RoSPA congress to investigate ways of reducing home accidents in deprived areas. The congress, entitled Reducing Inequalities in Health Through Effective Targeting, will focus mainly on the dangers facing children and the elderly. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has set up a top level "think tank" to combat the worrying number of home accidents revealed in a new government report. The Department of Trade and Industry’s Home Accident Surveillance System report shows that 10 people are killed and 7,000 need medical treatment every day after home accidents. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today revealed the key safety issues it wants the Government to back in the coming year to tackle a worrying toll of deaths and injury. RoSPA’s agenda for accident prevention includes proposals to review consumer laws, reduce drownings, cut home and works accidents and improve the standards of novice drivers.Full Story»